News

Ferry diverts to aid yacht after medical emergency alert in Irish Sea

Published

8 months ago

November 11, 2024

FISHGUARD RNLI lifeboat launched on Sunday night (Nov 10) after HM Coastguard requested assistance for a 40ft yacht, approximately 28 miles out from Fishguard in the Irish Sea. The yacht, journeying from Ireland to Fishguard, had triggered an alert when a wearable device on board detected a medical irregularity and notified a contact center, which then informed the Coastguard.

Due to the yacht’s remote location and limited communication options on board, the Coastguard was unable to establish direct contact with the crew. In response, the Stena Nordica ferry diverted its Rosslare to Fishguard service, locating the yacht and relaying information between the yacht’s crew and Milford Haven Coastguard. An Irish Coastguard helicopter from Waterford was also dispatched.

The Fishguard RNLI’s Trent-class lifeboat, Blue Peter VII, arrived at the scene shortly after the helicopter, which had already coordinated with the yacht crew and winched a paramedic aboard to assess the casualty. With both the helicopter and lifeboat on site, the Stena Nordica was released to continue its journey to Fishguard.

The Fishguard lifeboat crew, trained in casualty care and with a GP on board, stood ready to provide additional support if needed, prepared to transfer personnel to stabilize the casualty for a safe helicopter extraction. However, with the helicopter crew successfully transferring the casualty for further treatment in Ireland, no further assistance was necessary.

Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Cedwyn Rogers commented on the importance of the technology used in the incident: “It was an interesting shout for our crew, demonstrating how useful technology can be. Had the casualty been a lone sailor, this may have been the only alert received.”

Rogers reminded all water users to carry suitable communication equipment within reach at all times, adding: “In a medical emergency at sea, call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard, or use a VHF set if available.”

The RNLI later confirmed the yacht’s crew intended to continue their journey to Fishguard, with no further assistance needed.

Community

Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Published

1 hour ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.

The key rules include:

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No running or diving in or around the pool.
No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
Littering is strictly prohibited.

A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”

There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.

Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”

Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”

Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.

Caption:

Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).

News

Stricken boat rescued off Ramsey Island after gearbox failure

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Off-duty RNLI crew member steps in to assist with tow to safety

ST DAVIDS RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched at 6:20pm on Wednesday (July 9) to assist a 28-foot motorboat that had suffered drive shaft failure near Ramsey Island.

The vessel, which had departed from Porthclais harbour with two people on board, was left without propulsion due to gearbox issues and was drifting dangerously close to cliffs.

The call for assistance was received at 6:09pm, and the lifeboat was launched just over 10 minutes later. Calm sea conditions allowed the volunteer crew to reach the scene swiftly. A local recreational boat from Voyages of Discovery had been standing by the stricken vessel until the lifeboat arrived.

Given the boat’s proximity to the cliffs and inability to manoeuvre, the coxswain made the decision to tow it back to Porthclais. However, the harbour is inaccessible to the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat.

Fortunately, off-duty crew member Robin was nearby on his own vessel and was able to take over the tow and bring the motorboat safely into the harbour.

The lifeboat and crew returned to station by 7:40pm.

Crime

Motorist sentenced over crash that left biker with life-changing injuries

Published

7 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who caused life-changing injuries to a motorcyclist in a serious crash at Merlin’s Bridge has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

JAMES IAN PUTTOCK appeared before the court on Wednesday (July 2), where he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, contrary to section 2C of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The collision occurred on December 20, 2022, at Merlin’s Bridge, near Haverfordwest, and involved a red Suzuki Splash driven by Puttock and a motorcyclist.

The rider suffered what police described at the time as “life-changing injuries” and was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The road was closed for several hours while crash investigators examined the scene.

Puttock had originally been due to stand trial, as previously reported by The Pembrokeshire Herald in January 2024. However, he entered a guilty plea ahead of trial.

At sentencing, the court imposed the following:

20 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months
10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days
12-month driving disqualification

The Herald understands the crash had a profound impact on the injured rider and their family, who are still dealing with the long-term consequences of the incident.